Derek Thomas is a chameleon of sorts jumping both genres and continents playing/writing music and surfing. His passion for songwriting and playing began through his stepfather’s record and guitar collection. His music has heralded 4/5 star reviews from Rolling Stones Magazine and has been featured in Hollywood movies. His Americana Alt Country Folk project Derek Thomas & Skyline Drive received Best Of Los Angeles Americana Music for both 2012 & 2015. Last year, (2018) two of songs off the Americana album “Beyond The Trestles” were featured in Sharon Stones film, “All I Wish.”
A voracious writer not easily defined by genre or style his material ranges from sparse Singer-Songwriter, Americana/Alt-Country/Folk to Hazey Post Rock, Sou and more raw Indie Rock. “There is just so much good music out there that inspires me. I love writing, so it’s hard for me not to write various styles. For me, I feel like I would be putting myself in a box and feel like I do that enough with doing things this way. I feel drawn almost compelled to write all kinds of stuff. I guess it kind of balances me out in a weird way.”
Thomas is a student of the craft of songwriting, writes for various projects, and enjoys collaborating on all kinds of tunes. The underlying continuity of his songwriting can be heard in his attention to the craft, the soul, and his love for the art of song. Some of his current projects include Derek Thomas & Skyline Drive, Summer Blood & Jag Arbor.
Calling Laguna Beach California home Thomas travels roughly six months out of the year as a professional surf guide, live performer and breath-work/meditation & Yoga facilitator. “I guess I’m all about creativity, balance, and new experiences. Somehow I’ve managed to make a living doing what I love. I suppose it’s through dedication and passion, but it’s just through being drawn to the ocean and songwriting. I suppose they keep me in a state of flow and for me balance one another out.
